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NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP -- Our second amendment gives us the right to keep and bear arms.  But each state has its own stipulations on how and where someone can carry a concealed pistol.

A state can claim to be "no issue," "may issue" or "shall issue" when it comes to concealed pistol permit policies.  A state with a no issue policy prevents private citizens from carrying a concealed handgun.  A may issue jurisdiction leaves it up to local law enforcement to decide who can and cannot carry a concealed handgun.  A shall issue state writes the granting of a concealed weapon permit right into the law.  A private citizen needs to meet certain criteria to obtain a permit.  Michigan just became a shall issue state in 2001.

"Since that time, law enforcement in general has not seen or experienced an increase in any type of problem concerning carry," said Michigan State Police Lt. Robert Pernaski.

Each state has their own criteria.  For Michigan, you must be at least 21 and you must be free of felony convictions.  You should also be clear of any misdemeanors for eight months.  You can't have a documented mental illness or have been dishonorably discharged from the military.  A concealed carry permit will cost you about $200 at the County Clerk, and it's good for five years.  But even with a permit, there are some places you just can't take a handgun.

"Pistol-free zones are really the only areas that you're prohibited from carrying in Michigan," Pernaski said.  "When you receive a concealed pistol license, you're given the list of pistol-free zones."

Pistol-free zones include government facilities, financial institutions, school grounds, classrooms, dorms, any place of worship, an establishment whose primary sale is liquor, and public events centers like Lakeview Arena.

You might recall about a year ago, a few NMU students wore empty holsters on their pants to demand the right to carry concealed guns on campus.  Nothing ever came of that protest.

For a more detailed list of regulations, visit the Michigan State Police website.  As for long guns like rifles, those have a completely separate list of regulations put out by the DNR.